On June 29, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3004 - “Kate’s Law” - to mandate stricter penalties for deported felons who re-enter the United States illegally.

The bill, which enjoys the support of President Donald Trump, is named after Kate Steinle. In 2015, Steinle was allegedly murdered by an illegal alien who was deported on five previous occasions. Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, charged in the shooting death of Steinle, is expected to be tried in the coming months.

Kate’s Law passed the House by an overwhelming 257-157 vote. In the Senate, companion legislation that is still under consideration is S. 45.

Project 21 Co-Chairman Council Nedd, a constable in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, had this comment on the passage of H.R. 3004:

In my duties as a Pennsylvania constable, I have regular interactions with illegal immigrants. I am encouraged by the passage of Kate’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives and the tone of the Trump Administration on the immigration issue in total. I believe it protects the public and helps make law enforcement more effective.

From a personal perspective, I have repeatedly served warrants on the same undocumented individuals. Over time, it becomes folly and diminishes our credibility. There is an inherent risk in the job I do. I should not have to serve these warrants to those in this country illegally only to have them ignored at a potential peril to the public.

I’ve often wondered when the communities I serve would say enough. I believe Congress is now channeling these people with their decisive action on Kate’s Law. President Trump’s encouragement of its passage and his overall commitment to protecting Americans and law enforcement is to be applauded and not criticized.